ADF's 'scratch crews' of rowers proved you don't need racing pedigree to earn a spot on the podium at the Australian Masters Rowing Championships.
At Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith from May 29 to June 1, 18 Defence rowers competed across 35 events against powerhouse clubs, such as Melbourne and Sydney.
About one-third of those who raced got a podium finish, one of ADF Rowing's most successful regattas.
Rowers aged 27 or older are eligible to row in the masters championships.
'Scratch crew' refers to a group of rowers who have little or no experience rowing as a crew.
Men's 8 stroke Leading Aircraftman Mitchell Haringcaspel said the team gave it their all.
"You could just see everyone was gassed and they'd put their heart into getting across the finish line," the 35 Squadron avionics technician said.
Chief Petty Officer Brianna Murray said the women and mixed crews performed well this year, backing-up previous successes in key races such as the women's B eight.
"It was a really close and tight race against the club from Melbourne for second place," Chief Petty Officer Murray said.
"We did extremely well considering we come from all over the country and we don't get opportunities to train together."
'You could just see everyone was gassed and they'd put their heart into getting across the finish line.'
Lance Corporal Benjamin Lim took the opportunity to race in both scull and sweep-rowing disciplines as member of double and quad scull, four and eight crews.
He also raced solo in a single scull.
In the scull disciple (single, double and quad), a rower holds an oar in each hand.
In sweep rowing (pair, four and eight) rowers hold one oar with both hands.
"The quads are probably my favourite. Just because you know you can go just as fast as an eight but it's easier to get going in terms of the balance," Lance Corporal Lim said.
"You get all the benefits of a fast crew, all the energy, but with fewer variables compared to an eight."
ADF Rowing is set to enter four crews in the Head of the Yarra in November.
The Melbourne Regatta is the biggest event of the year.
